Radical Orthodoxy? - A Catholic Enquiry (Heythrop Studies in Contemporary Philosophy, Religion and Theology) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0754612937 ISBN 13: 9780754612933

Publisher: Routledge, 2000

Synopsis

Radical Orthodoxy? A Catholic Enquiry is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand 'Radical Orthodoxy', or be in critical dialogue with it. John Milbank, Catherine Pickstock and Graham Ward, the three principal exponents of Radical Orthodoxy, each enter into dialogue with theologians from the Catholic tradition - a tradition with whose sources and current researches Radical Orthodoxy claims to have much in common. The Introduction explores the issues and tensions involved in Radical Orthodoxy's dialogue with Catholic theology, and David Burrell offers an important evaluation of Radical Orthodoxy in the context of North America. In the first dialogue John Milbank presents one of the clearest expositions of the Radical Orthodoxy programme to date; Fergus Kerr's reply discusses this programme in the wider context of post-war Catholic debate. Catherine Pickstock explores the work of Aquinas to show how Radical Orthodoxy is appropriating the work of past theological giants, and in reply Laurence Hemming asks what questions remain in that process. Graham Ward, Oliver Davies and Lucy Gardner debate the challenges facing contemporary theology, both from the past and the postmodern present. James Hanvey's provocative conclusion opens the way to future debate. Challenging, yet accessibly written, this book represents an important milestone in the critical reception of Radical Orthodoxy. Shedding new light on contemporary issues and current theological enquiry, this book offers important insights to students of theology and those training for ministry, clergy and informed lay people, and everyone who wants to make sense of one of the most demanding yet important debates currently taking place.

About this title

Review

'An excellent collection - advancing, both pro and con, the most provocative theological movement of the new millennium'. James J. Buckley, Loyola College in Maryland, U.S.A. 'The intellectual energy displayed in this exchange shows the vitality of British theology today'. Nicholas Lash, Emeritus Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge, UK '...a valuable introduction to the Radical Orthodoxy movement. Those engaged in critical reflection on the merits and limitations of modern theoloy for the postmodern world will find it a challenging and stimulating collection.' Theological Studies, 2001 'The academic ferocity of the debate is immediately evident in these essays...This volume will be of immense value for theologians everywhere, but it will also be useful for average believers who simply wish to keep abreast of the Catholic position. As a movement that manages simultaneously to place God back in the centre of theology, capture public imagination, and usher in a new age of postsecularism, Radical Orthodoxy is set to rock the theological world further, a worrying thought that makes this lucid Catholic enquiry all the more welcome.' John Townsend in the Catholic Herald 'This volume will be invaluable to all those interested in radical orthodoxy itself, quite apart from the Catholic dimension. In their essays Milbank, Pickstock and Ward engage in the tasks of clarifying, modifying and developing their positions in response to various criticisms that have recently arisen... a stimulating and engaging collection of essays that moves the debate forward in genuinely innovative ways.' Modern Theology 'The topic of how Catholic theology responds to modernity and the loss of tradition, and the rise of the Radical Orthodoxy movement, is thoughtfully and respectfully presented in this book... the book is a starting point for further reflection and strategic planning in the contemplation of the ideas and principles which are espoused by the Radical Orthodoxy movement.' Mystic-1 Review 'Laurence Hemming has put together an important collection of papers (...) that draws advocates or Radical Orthodoxy into direct conversation with Roman Catholic scholars. What emerges is (...) a series of authentic dialogues... The tone of the debate is certainly lively, though marked (...) by the patient yet persistent interrogation of the Catholic interlocutors... This is a valuable contribution to what looks certain on being an ongoing debate as Christianity continues to struggle with the impact of post-modern culture on its sense of identity and mission.' Journal of Beliefs and Values '... a collection that succeeds in introducing, summarising and engaging with Radical Orthodoxy... It says much about Catholicism as both the strength and weakness of its upstart scion.' Journal of Contemporary Religion '... will most interest postgraduate students and scholars interested in the inter-relation between theology, philosophy and culture in our time, along with questions of theological method.' Theological Book Review 'I should say that I think it is an excellent book. It introduces the debates and picks up on the crucial points that Radical Orthodoxy involves. On a number of occasions I found a contributor saying things about RO that I have long thought, together with a good number of new ideas as well. I would (and shall!) recommend the Ashgate volume ... to anyone who wants to understand what all the fuss is about.' Dr Simon Taylor, Lincoln Theological Institute for the Study of Religion and Society.

About the Author

Laurence Paul Hemming, Heythrop College, University of London, UK Contributors: Laurence Paul Hemming, David B. Burrell CSC, John Milbank, Fergus Kerr OP, Catherine Pickstock, Graham Ward, Oliver Davies, Lucy Gardner, James Hanvey SJ.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0754612937
• ISBN 13: 9780754612933
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 190
• Editor: Hemming Laurence Paul